NS Great Lakes – Located in North Chicago, Naval Station Great Lakes is the largest military installation in Illinois and the largest training station in the Navy. As host to the Navy’s only Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes has been turning “civilians into seamen and seamen into Sailors” for more than 80 years. Our charm is a .925 sterling silver Sailor’s Hat – commonly referred to as the “Dixie Cup” – with “NS Great Lakes IL” inscribed inside the brim.